My family keeps insisting that I am still a Christian. It doesn't make any difference what I do or say. The know that I am a practicing Buddhist and have taken the Bodhisattva Vow. God are they closed minded. I told my sister that the only true Christians were the Nostics. (SP) The Catholic Church wiped them out. My Buddhism has become a great comfort.. there are no gods to worship and you are allowed to pick the parts you believe. I have trouble with reincarnation but it isn't a problem. The single most enlightening thing that has made me a happier person is fighting to give up Lust This isn't about sex, it is about greed.

Me: Dad, I've decided that there is no god. I'm an atheist, as I believe religion is harmful to the human race and to society.
Dad: Well it's about goddamned time you got over all that tomfoolery. Welcome to the family.
Me: ....um......thanks?

A cousin of mine ask me what religion I was and I told him I was an Atheist - he paused for a moment and then asked me, "So how do you find purpose in your life?". I asked him what purpose did god give you for your life? He couldn't come up with one.